for fiscusfish first - just joking about the pre 98 ss shape, I love all SS's from the bevels to the MHe, always been an SS fan and the FE is one of the best.
As for the original question - I'm perfectly happy with my SS, it has plenty of real world performance. People are usually suprised at how well they go, that low down grunt making them so easy to use, they are even pretty usefull on a track, just those anoying 8 valve things tend to blitz it down the straight. (give 748's a hard time though):sing:

[Edited on 23-4-2004 by STEVE M]

Just as an aside...
 

...I was blasting around the Peak all weekend, hundreds of bikes everywhere.

Other than a stickered-up 'race rep' 900SSie (which looks a right tart's handbag) in Matlock Motorcycles, I didn't see a single other aircooled SS.

Saw an 851/888, a Multistrada, an ST4s and shed loads of 916etcs.

Now you know what to buy to be REALLY exclusive!

PS chasing a Lambourghini Diablo was fun- I bet he didn't pay £2650 for it!

:lol:

Interestingly I saw a dyno graph that compared a 900ss with a 996, and the only difference was that at 8000rpm the 996 kept climbing in power. But up to that point the power curves were exactly the same!

For me I like to use mid-range in my road riding, so I probably don't really need the extra power of an 8v. I'd like more torque for two-up riding, but I don't really need it.

Nik

i dunno . . . i tried a mates 748, and it felt nimble, tight and the motor was much quieter, but it just wasn't as 'ducati' as my 900SS . . . nice bike though

Vancouver
 

What a fantastic place.

You lucky b*stard.

Mine is my first Duke... I do like it V much but I secretly would love a 916...
At the moment I just need to learn to ride the one I've got!
I just have always loved that shape...it is so feminine.

I've also wondered what a 4v would feel like...
Price wise I think I probably will end up with a 7**
(with a respray of course!)
:P

750Sport & 999S
 

I've got one of each and love both dearly.
I was about to post to say "I know which one I prefer!", but yesterday I was in two minds about which one to ride to work ... I chose the 750!
I still cannot understand how I made that choice :puzzled:
Motorcycles ... it's a funny old game, Saint.:roll:

After my day getting blown away at Cadwell I was a little disheartened with my little Duke but after going out for a ride with mt ex-racer buddy on his TL1000 down the local Hemsley 'TT' route I feel much better now....

I was able to keep up with him easily by using the creamy midrange on my mocheen.

I forgotten what a usable bike she is on 'real' roads - and I'm glad to say that my recent spate of mods has finally paid off as she is just so comfy to ride....

(But I'd still love to try an 888 sometime :lol: )

2V V 4V
 

It would have to be the T8 for top end rush and fast riding and the SL for a more comfortable riding position and relaxed ride.
I cant say that either one is better only to say that looks wise I would never sell the T8 before the wife/kids etc.

I owned a couple of 900ss before buying my first 888. The most immediate difference is in the extra weight carried by the 888 (Strada). Because of this, and from very low revs, the SS has the more immediate throttle response - but when the SS is rattling your teeth @ 8,ooorpm, the 888 is still fairly smooth and accelerating hard. Handling too is more composed on the 888. It feels a lot more 'planted' at all times. The SP is another beast altogether. It could almost be a different bike. Very fast, light & responsive - the best of both worlds. It's not a relaxing ride though. It's brash / loud - and very much 'in your face'!